what i've heard is that in america, we refrigerate eggs because they are thoroughly washed (store bought ones, at least), whereas most other countries they simply wipe off the worst of the muck. the washing removes the protective coating, which is why we refrigerate them. is this right? or am i misinformed?

what i've heard is that in america, we refrigerate eggs because they are thoroughly washed (store bought ones, at least), whereas most other countries they simply wipe off the worst of the muck. the washing removes the protective coating, which is why we refrigerate them. is this right? or am i misinformed?

You're right. In the USA if they are from the store they need to be refridgerated because they've been washed. However if they have only been out for 4 hours then I would stick them in the fridge and use them.

Thank you so much for the great info!! I have a friend from Poland and she had told me that they will cook a stew and leave it in the pot on the stove overnight (no heat) and continue to eat out of it for days with no issues. Her American husband gets sick every time they travel there...